Morning Brian

Cold but bright in Middlesex and I am 'itching' to be outside already (need to wait for the frost to clear!!).  Glad to hear you are planning to 'publish' once you have your books in the right format and I may have to consider 'electronic reading' to see what you are up to.

Thanks for the picture, good depth of colour for a close up.  I have a 'half barrel' full of miniature tulips in bloom by our front path and it has been very satisfying seeing how much has survived the soaking (thought the bulbs might have rotted).  Hubby enjoys looking outside but not one for sitting out whereas I love the fresh air (think it was all part of our upbringing as his Dad drove everywhere whereas we never had a driver in the family -should have seen the look on my parents face when hubby turned up in 'wheels' (MGB) the first time he picked me up).

Yesterday I took myself of to the shops (not the French Market as planned as the tube was not working - planned works- two buses needed) and found some work shoes - really exciting!!  Also stocked up on birthday cards as Mum needed some and I have several birthdays coming up in April. Got home to find hubby just about to eat breakfast (nearly lunch time!!) so we ate at the same time  but different meals (that sounds weird)!!  I finished the front garden afterwards and then we watched some tv.  Finally made it to the fish and chippie restaurant and were lucky to get a table (the takeaway queue was long - always a good sign) and enjoyed being waited on and not having to wash up!!

No plans today just take it as it comes but with the look of the weather warming up pretty sure I will begin weeding the back (usually manage about an hour before having a  break).  Hope you and Mrs B have a good day.  Take care  Jules xx

Good morning Jules,

We haven't had a frost here this morning but it is bright and sunny. Managed to mow front and back lawns plus our elderly neighbours yesterday and will use our other mower in a couple of days time to cut them a bit shorter.  When I was working Mrs B used to do them all herself so I now appreciate what she used to do. You have succeeded in making my mouth water again when you mentioned the Chippie. I don't like fish or meat, but love shop made chips. You just cant fry them at home to get the same smell and taste. We have a good one not that far from us and during the summer when we have the back door open, when the wind is right I can smell them and it makes me so hungry. I hope to get out into my garage later as it's badly in need of a good clean up. It's a mugs game this woodturning as I clean the garage up and then go and cover it all up again with shavings and sawdust. The back door to the garage swelled up so much I have had trouble opening it so when it has dried out more will have to paint it to make it more waterproof. Incidentally Jules you can download Amazon Kindle to your computer rather than buying a kindle. I have already done it and have found a free book that tells how to convert my stories ready for uploading. Have just got to print out the relevant sections.

Anyway take care and enjoy the weather. Hugs, Brian.

Hi All on here we have had a fantastic day here in Cheshire sunny all day had a good walk with RIA about 90 mins great, then got the power washer out and did the front path (she)said that looks great a good job

well done .Then had a B B Q  on my own in the sun Kebabs pork and chicken my way.yes a good day all told . I love cooking well I was a butcher for about 30 years .Took some pics of the garden as well .Ready for bed now [[]]

Lovely daffs George,

The difference between Cheshire and Cumbria, I saw my first daff out today in my garden.The snowdrops are only just beginning to go over.

Lovely to see yours though.many thanks.

Annabel. xx

Hi Brian

Hope you did not wear yourself out with all the gardening and clearing up the garage (we all wonder why we make a mess in the first place, then clear it up and then make a mess again but have decided its how I get most of my exercise).  Don't overdo it though  must say when its tidy its lovely to walk back in the first time after its been done!!

Am on the last day of my time off and on the whole have really enjoyed the break from work.  Am sure the biggest plus has been the dry weather and being able to get outside in the garden (but still being 'close to home').  Having said that hubby appears stable physically at the moment but still struggling to find a purpose (which I cannot control but  makes me sad just the same) and he did tell the community nurse that he sees  no point in going out for walks when there is nothing to go for -  she said it would do him good rather than just sitting  and he told her he gets out regularly on a Friday (this actually made us both laugh).  I got him out for fish and chips as you know at the weekend (he has not  been out since). Thankfully we have a reason to go out today as we are taking our friends out for 'tapas' at lunchtime (birthday treat for the wife)  and to be honest I dont think hubby is looking forward to it.  I really dislike the thought that I maybe asking too much of him but its difficult to explain because if he gets a call to travel over 50miles to his workplace (for a 1hr meeting) he manages it.  Now I am feeling selfish because if he can do that I cannot really understand why he would  not feel the same about being with friends.Life is becoming complex when it should be 'special'.

Sorry rambling.

On a brighter note (well for me at least) he was quite happy for me to go out with my friend from work (her day off yesterday) and so we took the tube, bus, train and in just under two hours we were in Windsor for the day.  Her husband recovered from cancer some 6yrs ago and she has been fantastic support and we have always got on really well.  It was a break for us both and we enjoyed a lazy day wandering round the 'lanes' taking in the sights (did not actually go into the Castle as she had done this before and its not cheap!!) and catching up on family news (we only work together on two mornings each week and that's not the time for personal chit chat!!).  We stopped for morning coffee in a 'crooked house' - quaint, did a little shopping, had a lovely late lunch and then both came home (and down to earth).

Hope you and Mrs B are okay.  How is her brother and sister in law coping just now; any further news of what is next for  his treatment plan?

Do take care of yourself; you spend a lot of time supporting others both in your own family but also in 'cyberland'. Sending peaceful thoughts and hugs. Jules x

Hi George

Glad you still out and about - the sunshine makes everything look so much better and your daffs are beautiful.  Mine are looking good and I now have a full container of miniature tulips brightening a corner of the front garden (still have crocuses too!!).  I was out for the day with a friend in Windsor yesterday and when the sunny  intervals allowed the hanging  baskets and planters in the town where a blaze of colours from primulas, daffs and winter pansies.  Tourists were busy 'snapping' in all directions.  We took a short walk along the side of the Thames and crossed over into Eton town but most of their shops were closed on a Monday so we soon returned to the other side and continued our wanderings, stopping for coffee and a little later lunch before travelling home. Am sure Ria is keeping you both fit and busy.  Take care of yourself.  Jules xxx

Good morning Jules,

Hope you enjoy your last day of your break. It is such a pity your husband is still struggling like that. I just like you, love going for long walks. We are only a few mile from the South Downs and love walking along them and the wonderful views on offer. But Mrs B gets tired so easily and cant manage this these days and I feel guilty if I go on my own (hope that doesn't sound silly) The same applies to long drives. A few years ago we often used to go out and often took a picnic with us but again she gets so tired. I had thought when I retired that we would be able to do both of the things a lot more but hasn't turned out like that. When she gets tired, it often affects some of the illnesses she suffers from for a day or so afterwards. So I do relate to what you say about life becoming complex when it should be special.

Your mention of Windsor reminded me that a few years ago we often used to drive to Windsor and have a look around and would then drive just outside of town and park up by the river for our picnic. Jules, You also spend a lot of you time responding to others, offering words of support and kindness. It is something I never would have thought of doing pre-cancer so that just goes to show how much it has changed me. I have to admit I do enjoy what I do on here and I have made contact with some really wonderful people like yourself.

Thanks for asking about brother in law. He has now seen the bone specialist and is waiting for a MRI scan so they can see the extent of the cancer in the hip joint which is where most of the cancer is bone wise. They have been told he may have to have an operation to put a steel rod in to strengthen the bone. He is coping quite well emotionally but as usual it is his wife who is having problems dealing with it more. Like you she tries to hide it from him but not very successfully. So most of my support is for her ( and Mrs B of course ) with just information for brother in law as his doctors don't seem that good at explaining things at all.

I have to visit the Vampires Den at my local surgery on Thursday for a blood test for my PSA and should find out the results early next week. Specialist told me it would start rising slowly but not worried about it if it has.

I hope your visit to your mother has gone well this morning.

Anyway take care Jules, best wishes and hugs, Brian

Thanks for your supportive words Annabel - so appreciated.  Have just returned from a long lunch with our friends (her birthday) and enjoyed a wonderful 'tapas' choice plus dessert and wine = needless to say am a bit happy and emotional.  Hubby enjoyed himself too (good to see) and now have a quiet evening before I return to work tomorrow.  If we do not speak beforehand have a lovely trip to Scotland and hope your Mum'sbirthday bash goes with a swing - will be great for you all to celebrate together.  Take care and do not overdo it!!Jules xx

Hi Jules

So glad to hear that your husband enjoyed the tapas lunch.  I do not think you are selfish at all.  I am lucky in that I have things to keep me busy whilst I am off but I know from many years ago that my father lost foucs when he had to give up work due to ill health.  It was very difficult to get him to do anything at all.  Perhaps it is a man thing.

You give so much to others on the site that it is only fair once in a while that you get something back.

Hope things are ok with your Mum .   I gues with this it will just be a case of waiting to see what the Local Authority decide once her funds have run out.  It does seem rather unfair that she will be forced to move after being so settled where she is.

Chin up and hope work is ot too tough.

Gill